National Schoolgirls Cup round 3 latest

The National Schoolgirls Cup unearths more St James league talent; Marsden SHS players wear indigenous jersey designed by star winger Angel Austin while Ipswich-Keebra battle it out.

St James' centre Rharni Law, Marsden SHS pair Janique Mili, Angel Austin and St James' winger India Tschuna. Mili and Austin are wearing the indigenous jersey designed by Austin.

Marsden SHS winger Angel Austin resembled an Olympic sprinter when he raced in two long distance tries wearing an indigenous design which she designed for the NAIDOC Week clash.

40 BEST PLAYERS ACROSS SIX MARSDEN v PBC GAMES

In a match which also featured the debut of three new players to the St James’ squad, the white hot Marsden SHS side scored a 66-6 win, breaking free in the second half after a dogged St James effort.

Marsden SHS’s head of the schoolgirl program, Shane Hammond, said he wanted his side to focus on its defence but aside from marker work, he was pleased with the defensive foundation ahead of some big games.

Marsden SHS students with their indigenous jerseys designed by teammate Angel Austin.

There were again green shoots within the St James’ squad and their effort earned praise by Hammond.

“We are just grateful to St James for stepping up to this division,’’ Hammond said. “Without St James, the competition does not grow. It is a tough season for them, but we are proud of them as a school for taking the plunge and we wish other schools would do so as well.’’

Keebra Park SHS v St James earlier in the season - Photo Steve Pohlner

St James coach Ana Fotu, a highly respected female coach in the code, said the unavailability of seven first choice selections saw three girls who had never played before bravely step up and take the field.

“Regardless of the score I was pretty happy with our girls,’’ Fotu said.

“We were up against a team of representative players, and for our girls to play with that effort and attitude, that is all you can ask for as a coach.’’

Marsden SHS students with Angel Austin, right.

India Tschuna, Humarie Puru and a third girl, Sharon, courageously took to the field to play arguably the toughest contact sport in the world.

“They had never played before and at lunch time today (Thursday) I was doing some pads with them,’’ coach Fotu said.

PLAYERS OF THE DAY

MARSDEN SHS v ST JAMES

Angel Austin (Marsden SHS)

The long striding, express winger Austin raced away for tries wearing a jersey designed by her.

“She took the initiative to design the jersey,’’ explained Marsden coach Hammond.

“"She presented the jersey to the girls and explained what it meant to her and how it mirrored the journey of our girls rugby league program here at Marsden.

“So I am proud of the way she took the initiative to lead that and I am proud of the way she took that courage onto the field tonight.’’

St James earlier in the season - Photo Steve Pohlner

St James had four players in particular who led the way - try scorer Abuk Gaw who was a brave middle forward affectionately known as Tina, along with lock Bernadette Papani, forward leader Harmony Harris and hooker Layla Satui.

There were times when you could hear Harris’ barking encouragement to her teammates who fought hard against a class Marsden side.

Marsden SHS students with their indigenous jerseys designed by teammate Angel Austin.

IPSWICH SHS v KEEBRA PARK SHS

Ipswich SHS defeated Keebra Park 30-8 earlier in the week, another impressive showing by Ipswich SHS.

“I was extremely proud of the girls defensive efforts,’’ said Ipswich SHS coach Alex Nicholson.

“Stopping the momentum of Keebra was a priority this game and I thought the girls line speed and contact did that for us in the early stages of the game.”

He also praised the players who backed up from the recent nationals schoolgirl carnival.

Keebra Park SHS players earlier in the season. - Photo Steve Pohlner

Keebra again showed tremendous promise and created chances with the ball, but failed to polish off the movements.

“We were in the game for a long way, and defended really well. It is just some crucial defensive lapses late in the tackle counts allowed Ipswich over the line,’’ explained Keebra Park SHS’s Daniel Schwass.

“Overall we are getting better and closer each week. We are looking forward to taking on Mabel Park SHS next week.’’

Marsden SHS students with their indigenous jerseys designed by teammate Angel Austin.

PLAYERS OF THE MATCH

Sienna Smith (Keebra Park SHS)

The back rower had a strong game which featured her damaging running on the edge and some really good defensive reads.

Shalom Sauaso (Ipswich SHS)

After returning from a successful National Championship campaign, Shalom’s confidence stood out as she exploded through the Keebra defensive line on several occasions. “Her running game rewarded her with two tries and a number of momentum shifting runs to get her team on the front foot,’’ said coach Nicholson.

Ipswich SHS’s Shalom Sauaso. Picture credit: Darrell Nash @NashysPix.

Orianna Clark (Ipswich SHS)

Another member of the successful Queensland schoolgirls team at this year’s national championships, Clark provided a boost in the middle that was missing from round 1. “Her defensive efforts along with her bone rattling runs, made her difficult assignment for the Keebra forward pack.’’ Nicholson said.

Mhia Taylor (Keebra Park SHS)

A reliable back rower, it was her first game back from a broken hand, but you would never have known she had time away from footy.

“She never missed a beat,’’ Schwass said.

Taylor had plenty of strong carries and her telling defence helped keep Keebra Park in the game. She also got her team moving forward and will be more match fit next round.

Ata Te Hokowhitu-Wynne

A lock or hooker, the utility forward had her best game of the year. She straightened the Keebra Park attack when playing at lock, and also moved the ball around. When she was moved to hooker, Te Hokowhitu-Wynne made some good reads, mixing her passing game with her running game from the ruck.